WEBB CITY — In a fast-paced, five-team girls swim meet Tuesday, Carl Junction narrowly defeated host Webb City 90–88 in the featured dual, while both programs dominated Joplin, Hillcrest, and Greenwood.
The Bulldogs took three of the four relays and piled up points in individual events, led by sophomore Elsa Dogotch, who won the 50 freestyle in 27.64 and the 100 breaststroke in 1:15.72. Carl Junction opened with the 200 medley relay in 2:09.04 by Donalise Fifer, Dogotch, Madelyn Moritz, and Sophia Lacey, and later won the 200 free relay in 1:55.52.
Webb City countered with depth and standout performances. Freshman Kyla Potter won the 100 butterfly in 1:09.94, senior Aspen Ritchie took the 500 freestyle in 5:57.69, and the Cardinals closed the meet by winning the 400 free relay in 4:25.65 with Ritchie, Jai Potter, Olivia Page, and Kyla Potter. Webb City’s “A” 200 medley relay placed second in 2:14.45 (also CONS).
Joplin, still building its roster, gained valuable experience and earned third-place finishes in the 200 free relay (2:12.59) and several individual events. Senior Brylea Smith led the Eagles with a third-place 1:25.23 in the 100 breaststroke, while Adriana Estes, Kylea Thullesen, and Brooklyn Lurten added key points.
Webb City went undefeated against Joplin (124–29), Hillcrest (123–46), and Greenwood (125–20), while Carl Junction rolled past Joplin (118–29), Hillcrest (115–43), and Greenwood (115–18).
The local rivals will face each other again January 13 at the Joplin YMCA in what should be another close showdown.